Seungri’s military enlistment postponed

Seungri’s military enlistment has been postponed as he is investigated for links to a prostitution scandal.

The Big Bang star is accused of providing escorts for foreign investors in his Burning Sun nightclub, as well as being part of a KakaoTalk chatroom which has seen other stars accused of sharing illegally recorded footage.

The 28-year-old was due to begin his mandatory military service on 25 March; however, after submitting a request to have his enlistment delayed on 18 March, the Military Manpower Administration has postponed his enlistment for three months.

‘The applicant submitted his application for postponement due to the
investigations he is facing. The investigation agencies requested a
postponement of his enlistment date to the Military Manpower
Administration in order to be able to thoroughly and consistently
investigate the applicant.

‘Therefore, following Article 61 of the Military Service Act and
Article 129 of the Enforcement Decree of the Military Service Act, the
applicant’s military enlistment date has been postponed.

‘Once the time period of postponement expires, the applicant’s
enlistment date will be rescheduled according to the Military Service
Act.’

They added: ‘In the future, the Military Manpower Administration will
push for a revision to the law, so that mandatory military enlistment
can be postponed under the authority of the MMA if someone is trying to
enlist in the military to escape the public eye after causing a social
controversy, or if there is a request from the head of an investigation
agency due to an important investigation.’

On 25 June, the MMA will determine whether Seungri’s enlistment further, or whether he will enter the military on this day.

Last week, the K-pop star was interviewed at Seoul Police Station in relation to the investigation.

And in a new interview through his lawyer with Sisa Journal, he denied allegations of providing escorts and gambling.

Seungri said: ‘These things have caused a public opinion [that I’m
involved in] tax evasion and police collusion. Honestly, I’m in a
situation where even if I tell the truth, no one will believe it. Even
the investigators believe that the contents of the KakaoTalk [chatrooms]
are all true and considered evidence.

‘I’m afraid I won’t be judged fairly to be right or wrong due to the
fact that I’m famous and a celebrity. Because I feel sorry to the people
of Korea, aren’t I in a position where I can’t complain of the
injustice or make rebuttals? Finally, to add one more thing, there was
no overseas gambling, nor were there prostitution services.’